Onyx and Covellite Optical Properties

Onyx

Covellite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Resinous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

Marked

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

OpaqueAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5431.45-2.62

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

OpaqueAnthony et al

Onyx and Covellite Optic Character

Onyx and Covellite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Onyx and Covellite Physical Properties like crystallographic symmetry, pleochroism,etc. in the crystal. Some of the optical properties are refractive index, luster, optic character, pleochroism etc. Prominent among these is Onyx and Covellite optic character. You might have noticed your gemologist rotating the gemstone while testing it. Rotating a gemstone along its optic axis helps in determining its optic character.

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Onyx and Covellite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Onyx and Covellite transparency can also be used as criteria for their primary identification. Although transparency cannot be the only criteria for gemstone identification, it can efficiently used in gemstone grading. Talking about their transparency, Onyx is Opaque, Translucent and Translucent to opaque while Onyx is Opaque, Translucent and Translucent to opaque in appearance.